Oriented on making people closer

Turkmenistan's preparations for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly became the key topic of the next meeting of the country's government. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov presented to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov the Priority Positions that will determine Ashgabat's line in the UN in the coming political year.

This document is not just a list of proposals. It reflects the strategy of Turkmenistan as a state that seeks to be an active participant in global processes and make practical initiatives to solve the most important problems of our time.

With a new block of initiatives, Turkmenistan intends to declare itself as a country capable of shaping the international agenda not in words, but in deeds. Peace, security, sustainable development, ecology, humanitarian cooperation - Ashgabat has prepared specific proposals in all these areas, including draft resolutions and initiatives for holding international forums.

They combine the tradition of positive neutrality and a modern view of global challenges. For the world community, this is a chance to obtain new mechanisms of interaction, and for Turkmenistan- an opportunity to strengthen its authority and role as a mediator in international relations.

Peace and security: Neutrality as a global value

The constitutionally enshrined status of permanent neutrality is a key priority of Turkmenistan's foreign policy. It allows the country to remain a reliable platform for dialogue. Ashgabat consistently promotes the ideas of peaceful conflict resolution, confidence-building and collective security.

At the anniversary session, Turkmenistan will propose:

1) to include the item "Neutrality - for the Sake of Peace and Security" in the agenda;

2) to consider draft resolutions on the importance of the policy of neutrality and on the establishment of International Mediation Day;

3) to develop a Special Guide on Neutrality under the auspices of the UN;

4) to initiate the creation of a Mediation Chamber for the Sake of Peace.

These initiatives consolidate Turkmenistan's role as a universal mediator. For the international community, they provide an opportunity to institutionalize peacekeeping experience, reduce the level of conflict, and expand dialogue mechanisms. For the country itself, this is a strengthening of its political authority and confirmation of the uniqueness of the positive neutrality model.

Culture of peace and trust

Strengthening the humanitarian foundations of international relations remains one of Turkmenistan's priorities. Proposals include holding an international forum "Central Asia - a Space for Building a Peaceful Life", organizing a Global Summit on the Culture of Peace, Trust and Mutual Respect, and developing a Code of International Trust.

These steps allow Central Asia to reach a new level of perception as a region of not confrontation, but creation. For world politics, this opens up the prospect of forming a new system of values based on trust and respect. Turkmenistan is strengthening its image as a country that is capable of initiating innovative humanitarian approaches.

Sustainable development: transport, energy, digitalization

Thanks to its geographical location, Turkmenistan strives to become an important link in Eurasian connectivity. The construction of modern ports, highways and railways turns the country into a transit hub between the North and South, East and West.

As the owner of some of the world's largest natural gas reserves, Turkmenistan views the energy sector as the main driving force of the economy. Diversification of export routes remains a priority - from Central Asia and China to South Asia and Europe. Along with this, the country focuses on the development of renewable energy sources, which meets the global trends of the "green transition".

Modern development priorities include the digital economy, e-governance and the introduction of innovative technologies. Turkmenistan views digitalization as a tool for improving the efficiency of public administration and stimulating entrepreneurship.

At the UN General Assembly, Turkmenistan will put forward a number of initiatives reflecting its strategic role in the global economy in the above areas.

Among them are proposals for draft resolutions on the declaration of the "UN Decade of Sustainable Transport" (2026-2035) and the key role of energy connectivity for sustainable development, as well as the creation of a Global Digital Integration Platform under the auspices of the UN.

The benefits are undeniable and obvious. In terms of transport, this is the consolidation of Turkmenistan's status as an international hub, support for the East-West and North-South corridors, new opportunities for landlocked countries.

In terms of energy, this is an increase in the stability of global energy supplies, a balance of interests between producers and consumers, and the promotion of the transition to "green" energy. And in terms of digitalization, this is the inclusion of Turkmenistan in the global discussion of the digital future, and the expansion of international technology partnerships.

Environmental diplomacy

In the context of climate challenges, effective water management is becoming a priority. Turkmenistan is actively promoting the idea of ​​developing regional and global mechanisms for water diplomacy, calling for the joint use of transboundary rivers on an equitable basis.

Ecology and climate are another cornerstone of Ashgabat's foreign policy strategy, which is aimed at combating desertification and preserving biodiversity. Among the initiatives that will be presented at the next session of the UN General Assembly:

– creation of the Regional Center to Combat Desertification;

– preparation of Regional Conventions on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya Basins;

– establishment of the Regional Climate Technology Center;

– continuation of the UN Aral Sea Basin Program;

– holding the Second Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026.

For the Central Asian region, this is an opportunity to join efforts in the fight against ecosystem degradation and water scarcity. And for the world, this is an example of how local initiatives can shape global environmental standards. With such proposals, Turkmenistan is strengthening its position as an environmental leader capable of offering constructive solutions.

Humanitarian dimension

Turkmenistan pays considerable attention to education, healthcare and culture as basic conditions for sustainable development. The country continues to strengthen international cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, advocating for the exchange of experience and integration into global educational and scientific initiatives.

Turkmenistan's initiatives in the humanitarian sphere also reflect the priority of strengthening human potential:

a) International Conference "Women, Peace and Security";

b) Creation of the Regional Platform for Training Young Peacekeepers;

c) Establishment of the International Day of Multilingual Diplomacy;

d) Draft Resolution "Cultural Heritage of the Great Silk Road as a Basis for Peace and Development".

This approach of Turkmenistan expands the role of Central Asia as a region of youth and women's diplomacy, and also strengthens the cultural dimension of international relations. Turkmenistan thereby receives the status of an initiator of new humanitarian standards.

Law and UN institutions

Turkmenistan consistently advocates for strengthening international law. Among the proposals is the declaration of 2028 as the Year of International Law, as well as active preparation for the election to the UN Security Council for 2031-2032.

This emphasizes Ashgabat's commitment to the legal foundations of the international order and enhances its chances of occupying elected positions in the UN structure, thereby expanding the country's field of diplomatic influence.

Turkmenistan as a bridge of trust

The initiatives that Turkmenistan will present to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly are not declarative in nature. They propose concrete steps to address global challenges - from building trust to combating climate challenges.

They reflect a comprehensive approach to national development and international cooperation. Peace and neutrality, energy diversification, transport connectivity, environmental sustainability, digitalization and humanitarian initiatives form a strategic foundation that provides the country with stability and the opportunity to make a significant contribution to global processes.

For the world, these are new mechanisms for dialogue, sustainable development and humanitarian cooperation, which will secure Turkmenistan's status as a neutral mediator and regional leader in the field of transport, energy and ecology.

With a new set of initiatives, Ashgabat demonstrates that its policy of neutrality is not an evasion of global responsibility, but, on the contrary, its new form, based on trust, balance and joint decisions.

The initiatives that will be presented at the next session of the UN General Assembly take Turkmenistan to a new level of diplomatic leadership. For the international community, these are practical tools for dialogue and sustainable development, and for Turkmenistan, they strengthen the status of a neutral state capable of offering solutions in the interests of all mankind.

Bekdurdy AMANSARYEV,

Center for Strategic Studies, Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan

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